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Media Release |
Operation Waiheke – Questions and answers
1. Is it a hoax
MAF and the Police believe it is likely to be a hoax, but given the potential impacts on the New Zealand economy are taking this threat seriously and putting in place prudent precautionary measures.
2. When will we know for sure
MAF has dispatched investigators to Waiheke Island. Clinical symptoms of any foot and mouth disease will not be observable until Friday 13 May 2005 – at the earliest. Blood testing will take several days longer.
3. Why no immediate quarantine
MAF today declared Waiheke Island to be a controlled area. This places restrictions on the movement of ruminant animals and untreated animal products from Waiheke Island to the mainland.
4. What is being done to catch perpetrators
A Police investigation is currently underway. Any information from the public that may help would be appreciated. If you think you have any information, please contact your nearest police station.
5. What do they want
A letter has been received that details a number of demands. This letter is currently being investigated by Police. Police are reminding people of the high penalties associated with such activity and of the consequences of wasting Police time.
6. Likelihood of spread
At this stage this is still being established. Investigators from MAF’s Disease Response Team have been sent to Waiheke Island. They were expected to arrive on the Island about 3pm. They will immediately begin information gathering in line with set investigation procedures.
7. Foot and Mouth disease poses no threat to humans.
Foot and Mouth disease does not affect humans. It is a disease that affects ruminant animals, such as sheep, cattle, and deer and pigs.
8. Motivation of perpetrators
We cannot speculate on this matter.
9. What’s happening now ?
- measures to restrict potential spread of FMD are being put in place. This includes restrictions of stock movements on and off Waiheke Island.
- FMD is easily spread by direct and indirect contact through animal saliva, mucus, milk, or faeces. Wool, hair, grass or straw, footwear, clothing, livestock equipment or vehicle tyres could also be a mechanism of infection. It can also spread on the wind and can spread rapidly.
10. I live on Waiheke Island - can I go home tonight?
YES – human movements on and off Waiheke Island are not affected, though there may be additional measures put in place to protect against the spread of foot and mouth disease such as disinfectant footbaths. The public are asked to co-operate with these measures.
11. What about my pets?
FMD only affects ‘ruminant’ animals, such as sheep, cattle, pigs and deer.
12. What is the sequence of events so far
We have sent investigators from our Exotic Disease Response team to Waikehe to examine live stock and look for any sign of FMD. International trading partners, industry participants and relevant local authorities were notified at 4pm – the same time we issued a press release.
13. How realistic is the threat?
It is possible to carry out an act as described in the letter. However, given the difficulties involved in obtaining and transporting the virus, we believe it to be a very unlikely scenario.
14. How can livestock movements be controlled?
We have procedures in place to do this. MAF and police officials will enforce the movement controls.
15. Why treating as a hoax?
As discussed, we believe the threat has credibility issues. Plus, similar threats in the past have turned out to be hoaxes.
